Older Queenslanders — coronavirus (COVID-19)

Older Queenslanders have an increased risk of becoming ill from COVID-19 and are more vulnerable to serious complications if infected. This includes those who are living in residential aged care, who have health conditions or who have a disability and need extra support.

Those most at risk of becoming very unwell if they are infected include:

people aged 65 years and over
people with chronic medical conditions
people with compromised immune systems
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over.

It’s likely that most Queenslanders will either get COVID-19, or be directly exposed to someone who has COVID-19.

If you get sick

If you start to feel unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested and stay home. If you test positive to COVID-19, read about the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.

Most people who get COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and be able to recover at home. You could have mild symptoms at the start of your illness but become sicker over time.

You can also find out when you should seek medical advice.

Get vaccinated

If you are an older Queenslander or an aged care facility resident, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination most effective way to protect yourself against becoming seriously ill, being hospitalised or dying from COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free.

If you are not yet vaccinated, talk to your facility, carer or family about how you can get vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible.

Boosters and additional doses

People who have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are very well protected against serious illness, hospitalisation or death from COVID-19 but this protection fades over time.

Booster doses boost your immune response and provide an additional layer of protection.

Additional doses are different to booster doses and are for severely immunocompromised people as part of their primary course.

You are eligible for a booster dose if you have completed your 2-dose primary course more than three months ago. If it has been over three months since you had your second dose and you haven’t had your booster, you should arrange to get your booster dose as soon as possible.

If you are severely immunocompromised, you may be eligible for an additional dose as part of your primary course to help your body keep up with protecting your body from COVID-19. Read more about boosters and additional doses.

Residential aged care

Vaccination teams are returning to residential aged care facilities to offer a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to residents. Ask your facility to organise your vaccination. They will support you to make an informed decision.

You must provide valid consent before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, including for a booster vaccine. It’s not mandatory to do this in writing but you can use this valid consent form. Some residents may have a substitute decision maker to provide consent.

If you are eligible for your booster dose before your facility’s booster clinic, you can ask for a visiting GP or pharmacist to give you your booster now.

In-home and community care

All people who receive in-home and community aged care are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and booster.

If you are not yet vaccinated or have not received your booster, you should organise to be vaccinated. If you use a home care package provider or community home support provider, they may be able to assist you with in-home vaccinations.

People with mobility challenges are encouraged to contact their GP or pharmacist to discuss options for a home visit to receive a vaccination.

You can also book your vaccination by calling your local GP or pharmacist.

If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, please contact the National Relay Service on 1800 555 727 and ask to be directed to a health service.

More information

Last updated:: 28 December 2023

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